Teeth are super strong, but they can get damaged. And that means they’re up against biting and eating, grinding and hotting all day long. In the long run, these forces can make little pits in the tooth’s enamel and/or within areas of a tooth. Not all cracks might be painful, but some may get progressively worse or even affect the health of the tooth.
Understanding how cracks occur and recognising the signs you need to visit your dentist will prevent a small issue from becoming larger.
Everyday Biting And Chewing Pressure
A small crack can result from the pressure of chewing. Our teeth are able to endure a great deal of pressure, but the enamel begins to wear down in response to repetitive chewing on hard foods.
Ice, hard candy, popcorn kernels and other very hard foods exert a sudden pressure on your tooth when chewing. If you suddenly bite something hard, there may be a tiny fracture. Teeth that already have large fillings or damage may be more likely to crack because their normal structure has been altered.
At least some of this risk can be mitigated by not chewing on super hard things if you do not have to.
Teeth Grinding And Clenching
Grinding or biting your teeth can put so much pressure on them. Some people suffer from bruxism, or grinding their teeth while they sleep, without being aware until their dentist observes wear and tear.
Repeatedly grinding your teeth will wear away enamel and create tiny cracks. Other indications may include flat tooth surfaces, jaw pain when you wake up, headaches or teeth that are more sensitive than they used to be.
A dental examination can help determine whether grinding is affecting the teeth and whether protective measures should be considered.
Large Or Older Dental Fillings
Dental fillings can fix tooth decay; however, teeth with larger restorations may end up having less natural structure remaining. Chronic biting can harm the remaining tooth over years.
Even older restorations can break down or fracture. In some cases, the tooth structure around a filling can also crack due to small changes.
Regular exams also allow for a dentist to check restorative work that has already been completed and for wear, damage or structural weakness.
Sudden Changes In Temperature
Teeth grow warmer (and expand) or cooler (and contract) by a fraction of a millimetre. Subjecting the dentition to repeated temperature changes likely adds additional strain to the enamel.
For example, rapidly alternating between foods or drinks that are very hot and those that are very cold can occasionally cause increased sensitivity. In one case, it is enough to change the temperature for a tooth to break and only that, but when the enamel is weaker, these changes take on greater significance.
Concerned individuals who are experiencing sensitivity or potential cracks should visit a dental practice like Holdsworth House Dental in Darlinghurst to determine whether the tooth requires professional treatment.
Injuries And Accidents
An impact to the mouth can crush teeth immediately, or it may do so less obviously. A crack that cannot be easily seen may result from sports injuries, falls, accidents or biting something hard accidentally.
Of course, not every dental injury hurts immediately. A tooth may appear healthy initially but, over time, may become sensitive or painful. For this reason, a consultation with an expert after any significant tooth or jaw injury can be beneficial.
Signs That A Cracked Tooth Needs Attention
Filling small lines at the surface of enamel is not always necessary. If you notice some signs, though, your tooth may have a more severe crack.
One such early warning sign can be pain while chewing or even when you release a bite. Your body may also become sensitive to things that are hot, cold, or sweet. Others have intermittent pain, making it difficult to pinpoint the specific tooth that hurts.
If you have swollen gums or are hurting or becoming more sensitive to the substances present in your mouth, you also should go to a dentist. Germs that arrive at a tooth that has been damaged can then result in swelling or infection, which might need more complex dental treatment.
Protecting Teeth From Further Damage
Tooth cracks are not inevitable rated by stress but good habits can help you from feeling stressed to a lesser degree. Avoid chewing ice or other extremely hard objects, and wear appropriate mouth protectors when participating in contact sports. Anyone who grinds their teeth needs to speak with their dentist.
Tooth inspections are also useful because they will identify splits and weak spots in the structure prior to they develop into a significant issue.
These are physical breaks that can be small (thin lines in the enamel) or large (deeper structural breaks). It also helps to monitor any changes in sensitivity, ease of chewing and appearance of your teeth. If the symptoms do not go away or if a tooth is injured, it is important to consult with a dentist as soon as possible to be able to assess the extent of the injury and determine what further steps should be taken.